Tashi Jong

After escaping from Tibet in 1958,the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche had a vision to establish a traditional Tibetan community for the preservation and perpetuation of Tibet’s endangered culture, sacred arts, and Buddhist heritage in exile.. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, not far from Dharamsala, Khamtrul Rinpoche established Tashi Jong (the name means Auspicious Valley.),a community of monks,lamas and lay people. Together they rebuilt the former Khampagar Monastery as it had been in Tibet. In 1980, the 8the Khamtrul Rinpoche passed away and in the same year, the 9th Khamtrul Rinpoche was born.

There are approximately three hundred lay people and one hundred monks livinging together in the Tashi Jong community. Visitng here feels like you have arrived on a "little island of Tibetan culture". Today there is the modern conveience of a small and clean guest house with a cafe and even an internet connection, when power allows. However,the vitality of the community's faith and determination which permeates all activities sacred and ordinary remains faithful to the 8th Khamturl's vision.

Every Spring there is the stunning visual feast of Sacred Lama Dances celebrating the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava. To witness the overwhelming beauty and experience the spiritual power evoked by this sacred ritualis concidered a blessing. This dance ritual, (Tib. Cham) was first performed in Tibet more than 300 hundred years ago. In 1958, The 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche carried the knowledge of these dances into exile, and Tashi Jong monks and lamas have performed them ever since. Dressed in elaborate costumes of silks and brocades,they dance in highly stylized movements. Solemn chanting and rich tones of traditional temple instruments accompany the dancers, creating a meditation in sound and movement.

Khampagar Monastery, Tashi Jong courtesy of Angus Moore]] Tashi Jong - The location of the Khampagar Monastery, founded by the eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche, Dongyu Nyima, in the late 1950s. It is near Bir in Himachal Pradesh.